2015.10.07 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Chair Zisla was pleased that the property owner was able to make some adjustments to meet the needs of Northeast Bank. Further discussion ensued regarding the renovation of the Champp's site into Cowboy Jack's. Business [detention anti Expansion Discussion Chair Zisla wanted an outline drafted on how the EDC would address business retention and expansion within New Brighton. He then reviewed the materials provided by staff. Gundlach discussed the efforts Ramsey County was conducting along with providing comment on the Open the Business initiative. She estimated that it would cost the City $10,000 to $12,000 to become a part of this initiative. She explained that this organization could provide the City with expertise in this area that City staff just does not have. Chair Zisla supported the City having an intentional business retention and expansion program, whether through staff or an outside source. The EDC was interested in inviting Open the Business representatives to a future meeting. Commissioner Knight was interested in quantifying how many calls staff received on a yearly basis from local businesses requesting assistance. He believed this would be valuable information that would assist the EDC in making decisions going forward. Commissioner Murlowski wanted to hear from Open the Business representatives. He did not believe that $10,000 to $12,000 a year was too high of an expense if this assisted the City with business retention. Chair Zisla believed there was a need to communicate with local business owners to improve the communication lines with business owners and the City. Gundlach saw a need for the City to have a webpage designated for businesses. The webpage could include a list of available office/building space, demographic information, and link to resources at DEED and Greater MSP. She indicated this would be beneficial when calls came into City Hall. She believed that City staff could conduct a quarterly visit to a local business in order to learn of their needs and to improve communication. This could be included on the webpage as a business spotlight. Further discussion ensued regarding business retention and expansion. A member was interested in learning more about Shoreview's business retention and expansion program. Gundlach stated she would contact the City and report back with her findings. The group discussed the networking opportunities taking place at the monthly Chamber meetings. Commissioner Knight believed that the City's great infrastructure, public safety, fair taxes and intelligent staff would draw businesses to the community. Commissioner Murlowski was of the opinion that more needed to be done as the City was in direct competition with other first ring suburbs. He wanted to see the City being more proactive and vibrant in order to attract businesses to the community. A member was interested in New Brighton staff making a presentation at an upcoming Chamber meeting regarding the events taking place on NBE and with other local businesses.